Could 2025 Be Cyndi Lauper’s Year for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Cyndi Lauper—a name that instantly brings to mind neon colors, infectious energy, and anthems that defined a generation—is once again in the spotlight. The iconic "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" singer, now 71, has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2025. This marks the second time she’s made the ballot after her first nomination in 2023. While the nomination itself is an exciting moment, Lauper is taking it all in stride.
“You know, I've been singing rock and roll most of my life, so I know I'm a rocker,” Lauper told PEOPLE in a recent interview. “Whether I get in or not, it doesn't define me as an artist.” And that’s classic Cyndi—bold, unapologetic, and confident in her legacy.
A Rock & Roll Rebel from the Start
Long before she became a household name with her breakout 1983 album She’s So Unusual, Lauper was already breaking the mold. In fact, she faced pushback early on for refusing to abandon her rock roots.
“I even got in trouble several times in my life for not quitting the rock band,” she recalled. “I got thrown out of a jazz school because I wouldn't quit that rock band.” That rock band she’s referring to? Blue Angel, the group she fronted before her solo career skyrocketed. It’s clear that Lauper has always been true to her passion, no matter the obstacles.
Who Else Made the 2025 Rock Hall Nomination List?
Lauper isn’t the only big name up for potential induction this year. The 2025 nominee list is stacked with legendary talent, spanning multiple genres and eras. Here’s a look at some of the other artists in contention:
-
Bad Company – The British rockers known for classics like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Can’t Get Enough.”
-
The Black Crowes – Southern rock revivalists with a bluesy, rebellious edge.
-
Mariah Carey – The undisputed queen of ’90s pop and R&B.
-
Chubby Checker – The man who made “The Twist” a dancefloor staple.
-
Joe Cocker – The raspy-voiced legend who redefined songs like “With a Little Help from My Friends.”
-
Billy Idol – The punk-meets-pop powerhouse behind “Rebel Yell” and “White Wedding.”
-
Joy Division/New Order – Two bands that shaped post-punk and electronic music.
-
Maná – Latin rock superstars with a massive global following.
-
Oasis – The Britpop icons who made “Wonderwall” an eternal anthem.
-
OutKast – The Atlanta duo that revolutionized hip-hop.
-
Phish – Jam band kings with an unbeatable live following.
-
Soundgarden – Grunge pioneers led by the late, great Chris Cornell.
-
The White Stripes – The garage rock revivalists who gave us “Seven Nation Army.”
With such a diverse lineup, it’s going to be an intense competition. The final list of inductees will be revealed in late April, and the induction ceremony is set for fall in Los Angeles.
Women in the Rock Hall: A Long Overdue Shift
Historically, women have been underrepresented in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but that’s slowly changing. Last year’s inductees included Mary J. Blige and Cher, a sign that more female artists are finally getting the recognition they deserve. For Lauper, that shift is exciting.
“I am very much a believer that we all stand on the shoulders of the people that came before us, and we know that the people that come after us will stand on our shoulders,” she said. “It’s a whole musical chain, and everything affects your music.”
Lauper has always been an advocate for breaking barriers, whether in music or social causes. Seeing more women being acknowledged by the Rock Hall is something she deeply appreciates.
What’s Next for Cyndi Lauper?
Regardless of whether she gets inducted, Lauper isn’t slowing down anytime soon. She’s currently in the middle of her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour, a celebration of her decades-long career and the impact she’s had on pop culture. And the excitement doesn’t stop there—she recently announced a second North American leg of the tour set for this summer.
For fans, this is a bittersweet moment. Lauper has given the world some of the most unforgettable hits, from Time After Time to True Colors, and her performances are known for their electrifying energy and theatrical flair.
“I love the history of music. I love modern music. I love performance art, and performance, and a lot of color,” she said. “But I’m excited, I’m grateful. And we’ll see what happens.”
Why Lauper Deserves a Spot in the Rock Hall
If you ask fans and critics alike, Lauper's impact on music and pop culture is undeniable. Here are just a few reasons why she absolutely deserves to be inducted:
-
Trailblazing Career – She was the first female artist to have four top-five singles from a debut album (She’s So Unusual).
-
Genre-Spanning Influence – From rock to pop to blues, Lauper has dabbled in it all, proving her versatility.
-
Iconic Visuals & Style – Her music videos helped define the MTV era, and her bold fashion choices inspired generations.
-
Advocate & Activist – Beyond music, she’s been a vocal champion for LGBTQ+ rights and various humanitarian causes.
-
Enduring Hits – Decades later, songs like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time” remain anthems that cross generational lines.
Lauper’s legacy is already set in stone, but a Rock Hall induction would be a well-earned recognition of everything she’s brought to the industry. Whether 2025 will be the year she finally gets in remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—Cyndi Lauper has always been, and will always be, a true rock and roll icon.
Login